Poling plate and its method of application



Oct. 29, i935. J. DoLDER POLINO PLATE AND ITS METHOD OF APPLICATION Filed July 29, 1932 3 sheetsl-Sheet 1 "il il f/V VEN ma 29, 15.935. L DOLDER 2,019,29

POLING PLATE AND ITS METHOD OF APPLICATION Filed July 29, 1932 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Tea L 29, 1935. J, DQLDER POLING PLATE AND ITs METHOD oF APPLICATION Filed July 29, 1932 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 "WIN f/v VEN To@ Patented Oct. 29, 1935 l? STES POLING PLATE AND ITS METHOD F APPLICATION 14 Claims.

This invention relates to poling plates and their method of application for forming and reinforcing earth tunnels, although certain features thereof may be employed with equal advantage for other purposes.

It contemplates more especially the provision of means useful in tunnelling through earth which has little or no cohesion, and to effect the reinforcement thereof without requiring any undue or excessive quantities of concrete work in the completion thereof for solid support and maintenance.

In tunnelling through earth, the hole is timbered to serve as a support until the concrete or brick lining has been assembled to define the conduit serving as a tunnel. This practice has often proved very expensive not only because of the lining material costs, but also because of the fact that the timber must be lodged exteriorly of the theoretical line of concrete to the end that the over-run or excess concrete runs as high as 100% and above the absolutely necessary concrete requirements forlining an earth tunnel.

It has heretofore been proposed to use metallic plates that are bent to the radius of the tunnel Wall, yet these plates have not proven entirely satisfactory or popular in their adoption. Prmarily, it has been found impossible to expedite the tunnelling with metallic plates nor preclude soft earth from falling through during the tunnelling operations. While it is not essential that the ground supports be water tight, yet it is desirable that they be sufficiently close to preclude earth seepage. This has been accomplished with the teachings of the instant invention, and tunnelling operations are more eiciently executed with little or no soft earth seepage or excess concrete required.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is to provide improved metallic poling plates that enable more effective tunnelling operations Without any appreciable concrete over-run requirements.

Still another object is to provide novel poling sheets which are guided into position for temporary support of the earth prior to the placement of the plates into permanent position.

A further object is to provide novel poling plates in connection With sheets that enable progressive tunnelling without any requirement for concrete over-run.

A still further object is to provide novel poling sheets which are designed for use inconnection with plates to enable tunnel operations without earth seepage or concrete over-run.

Still a further object is to provide a novel method of tunnelling earth with the progressive application of a metallic lining to conform substantially with the concrete therefor.

Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings:

Figure l is a fragmentary plan View of the tunnel lining embodying features of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a front view in elevation of the lin- 15 ing shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side View in elevation of a pole plate unit.

Figure 4 is a sectional view in elevation of the poling plate disclosed in Figure 3 with sheeting 20 disposed therethrough.

Figure 5 is a plan view of a pole sheet employed in connection with the poling plates.

Figure 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken i substantially along line 'VI-VI of Figure 5. 25

Figure '7 is a plan view of the modified pole sheet having expansible means in connection therewith.

Figure 8 is a View similar to Figure '7; however in a contracted rather than expanded position.

Figure 9 is a plan View of the plate disclosed in Figure 8, the expansible sheeting being removed therefrom to 'clarify the showing.

Figure 10 is a sectional view taken substantially along line X-X of Figure 9.

Figure l1 is an enlarged fragmentary View of the pole sheet disclosed in Figure 8, it showing the actuating means With more detail.

Figure 12 is a sectional View taken substantially along line XII- XII of Figure 11.

Figure 13 is a sectional view taken substantially along line XIII-XIII of Figure 8.

Figure 14 is a View of the actuating member viewed substantially along line XIV-XIV of Figure 13.

Figure l5 is a cross section of a tunnel with surrounding earth and pole plates constituting the lining therefor in accordance with teachings of theinstant invention.

Figure 16 is a side View in elevation of the tunnel disclosed in Figure 15, part of the earth being removed therefrom and portions being shown in sections to clarify the disclosure.

The structure selected for illustration comprises a sectional tunnel lining assembled from 55 serving as a lining tion,

complemental units II) n stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet' material to present sections of substantially rectangular outline. The surface I I of sections I0, is curved to conform substantially with the curvature of the nal excavation, and it is apparent that the rectangular outline may be varied in extent within a wide range depending upon the dictates of commercial practice. Not only is the surface II curved to conform with the curvature of the excavation such as an earth tunnel, but also an inclination is provided therein so that the attachment of succeeding units will present a stepped formation as is apparent from Figure 16. in and the configuraton thereof is outlined by depending peripheral forward and rearward flanges i2-I3, respectively, and side flanges I4. As shown, the forward flanges I2 are considerably deeper than the rear flanges I3 and the side flanges I4 serve as a connector therefor along a horizontal line I5 for reason which will be more readily understood hereinafter.

The peripheral flanges I2, I3 and I4 are provided with uniformly spaced apertures I6 proximate to the edges I5 thereof so as to be equidistantly spaced along the depth of the rearward flange I3 which is the governing factor. In order to combine the units I0 in assembled relasuitable fastening expedients such as threaded bolts I'I may be projected through the apertures I6 to receive correspondingly threaded nuts I8 for engagement therewith to effect ,a rigid joiner therebetween. So that a sheet may be projected and guided forwardly of the last connected unit plate I0, elongated slots I9 are punched or `otherwise formed in the forward flange I2 above the apertures I6 therein. A plurality of slots I9, in this instance ve, are projected in each of the forward flanges I2 along an arc corresponding substantially to the arcuate curvature of the top surface Il and these are spaced sufficiently adjacent to afford narrow intervals 20 for only reinforcement purposes. In stamping or otherwise forming the slots I9, the metal thereof is projected inwardly to form a bottom edge flange 2| inclined substantially along a line defined by the bottom surface of a sheet 22 projected through the. slots I9 to engage the edge of the rearward flange I3.

The sheeting 22 is stamped or otherwise shaped from sheet material to present an elongated and preferably rectangular member which is self-sustaining and sufficiently rigid to support the earth defining an excavation immediately forward of the last attached pole plate i0. The cross section of the sheeting 22 corresponds substantially in configuration with the slots I9 for free sliding movement therethrough in a forwardly inclined direction for support by the iiange 2i and guidance in consequence of its contact with the bottom edge of the rearward plate flange I3. The sheet members 22 have preferably reinforced or beaded edges 23 and corrugations 24, in this instance two, disposed therealong intermediate the beaded edges 23 to reinforce the structure.

It will thus be apparent that the excavation is started and progressively continued with the pole plates I0 constituting a support therefor by assembling a plurality thereof to form a lining substantially conforming with the size and contour of the excavation. In other words, the earth 25 is initially tunnelled to present an opening of the desired configuration, and in the case of a cylindrical tunnel a circular series of pole plates III Y are attached to each other along the side flanges The surface I I terminates orages I4 thereof to present an initial length or over lining co-extensively therewith. Sheeting 22 is then projected forwardly through the elongated slots I9 in engagement with the bottom edge of the rearward flange I3 for guidance along a predetermined inclination. The sheeting 22 projects beyond the edge of the last assembled circular plate unit I0 for substantially half the distance of its length in a manner more fully disclosed in Figure 16, and thereupon the excavation will be sup- 10 ported against any possible collapse or running. The next successive forward circular series of plate units IIJ are then disposed below the sheeting 22, since the rearward flange I3 thereof fits therebeneath with the apertures therein adapted 15 to align with the apertures I6 disposed in the forward flange I2 through which the sheeting 22 projects. Itis worthy of note that the rearward flange I3 is of a comparatively lesser depth than the forward flange I2 so as to fit adjacent the 20 forward flangeV I2 of the succeeding unit with the top arcuate edge of the flange I3 fitting below the sheeting 22. Thereupon the sheeting 22 may be removed, and again used in the next progressive circular series of plate units ID. 25

In making earth excavations where there is running sand and similar conditions that enable a flow between the small space existing between the sheeting 22, an expansible sheet member is I provided for such situations instead of the rigid 3"0 plate 22. The expansible sheet member comprises an elongated plate 22' having dimensions and area similar to plate 22, it being provided with trough 26 constituting a longitudinal median channel for receiving an actuator as will appear 35 more fully hereinafter.

The actuator comprises a bar member 21 which is guided in brackets 28 disposed in suitable intervals therealong for attachment to the bottom of the channel 26 by means of fasteners 29. A .0 handle member 3i] is attached to the bar 21 to enable the longitudinal displacement thereof relative to the guiding brackets 28,' and for displacement is accompanied in its movement by wedge members 3| which are welded or otherwise attachedto the actuating bar 21 at spaced intervals between the brackets 28. As shown, the wedge members 3i are provided with U-shaped flanges 32 along the inclined or converging edges thereof for complemental engagement with male 50 flanges 33 formed along the edges of plate members 34 which rest on the sheeting 22. The expansible members 34 have the correspondingly inclined flanges 33 formed thereon at intervals corresponding with the spacing of the wedges II '55 along the actuating bar 21, and thus the expansion and contraction thereof in a lateral direc.- tion is accomplished responsive to the reciprocation of the bar 21. Guiding means constituting transfer slots 35 are provided in the plates 24 60 for registry with pins 35 anchored in the surface of the sheeting 22' to effect the lateral guidance of the plates 34, there being washers or other plate retaining members 31 fixed to the pins 30 to preclude the removal of the plates 34. Any num-'55 ber of such guide slots 35 and pins 36 may be provided to meet the requirements of commercial practice.

It is thus apparent that the' translation oi.' the actuating bar 21 to the extreme movement'm toward the right will cause the separation of the plates 34 so as to overlap the sheeting 22 so as to close the open space or gap 20 that would otherwise exist between the slots I9 or adjacent4 sheeting 22 after the latter has been displaced" .2,019,295 therethroughl were it lnot for the. expansion of sheeting 22'; In this connection, the rearward reg-ion -of the plate 34 is notched as at 38 so` as to enable the separation thereof when projected through the flange slots I9 even though this region is in registry therewith. In other words, the sheeting .22 is projected through the slots I9 until such is in the region of the notched plate portion 38 with the plates 34 contracted or in their extreme approaching position. Thereupon, the actuating bar 2T is translated to the right and the plates 34 are expanded or separated to their maximum extent. The next progressive series of pole plates I0 are then set in position and joined to the previously set plate series and the plates 34 are vthen contracted or caused to approach by reversing the translation of the bar 2l to enable their removal. With the removal of the sheeting 22', the slot flange 2| which extends inwardly `from the lower edges of the slots I9 provided in 'the for-ward face of the pole plate I 0, is bent over to close the slot I9 so that runnings will not pass therethrough. These may be bent or otherwise displaced by resort to a hammer or other suitable appliance.

-In order to rigidify the plates I0, a plurality of corrugations 39 are impressed therein in a circumferential direction, and any other reinforcing .expedients may be resorted to as commercial practice may dictate. From the above description, it will be apparent that the pole plates Ill may be assembled to form a complete circle corresponding with the earth excavation 25 to serve as a support thereof. Then the concrete tunnel units 40 which are of preformed shape to correspond with the contour of the excavations, are placed in position beneath the pole plates I0 which serve as a lining therefor and segregates the earth 25 therefrom. The setting of the concrete tunnel units 40 is very simple in that the collapse of the earth 25 is prevented and these maybe positioned progressively as the tunnelling Yor excavation operations proceed in increments.

Should the earth 25 be rather rigid, then the pole plates 22 may be assembled in edge alignment to support the earth for asemi-circular extent of the excavation, that is to support the top portion of the excavation with boards constituting the outline for the bottom half thereof in a straight downwardly direction. This may minimize the expense of a tunnelling operation, and the extent of the pole plates l0 around the excavation may be varied depending upon conditions and the dictates of commercial practice.

Various changes may be provided in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a device for reinforcing excavations, the combination with longitudinally and transversely extensible tunnel lining comprising members shaped to constitute a forward and transverse sectional unit configuration of the desired excavation, depending flanges extending around the peripheral edge of each of said sectional members, means extending through the flanges of said members to join said units into a continuous lining approximating the excavation in configuration, there being openings in the forward flanges of each of said members, and sheeting extensible in said openings to temporarily support the excavation thereover for placement of an adjacent unit member thereunder.

.2'. In a .device for reinforcing excavations, the combination with members shaped .to constitute aforward and transversesectional unit configuration of the desired excavation, said .members having lateral flanges. thereon, means extending 5 through said lateral' flanges of said members-to join said units into. a continuous lining approximating the excavation .in configuration, a forward flange on saidV members, there being openings in the forward flanges ,of said members, .to sheeting extensible in said openings to temporarily supportv the excavation thereoverfor-placement of an adjacent unit member thereunder, .and Aa rearward flange on said members of comparatively lesser depth than said forward flanges l5 for attachment beneath said sheeting projecting from .theadjacent member.

3. In a device of the character described .the combination with a plurality of complemental plates shaped in configuration tov approximate an 20 excavation in their forward and transversely assembled relation, said plates having an yinclined top surface, flanges depending from the peripheral edges of Vsaid surface, there being aligned apertures in said flanges, and fasteners extend- `25 ing through said apertures to hold said plates in forward and transverse assembled relation to constitutea rigid support for .an excavation of any desired character.

4. In a device of the vcharacter described, vthe 3Q combination with a plurality of complemental plates shaped to approximate an excavation .in their forwardly and transversely assembled relation, said plates having an inclined .top surface, flanges depending from the peripheral edges of $5 said surface, there being aligned apertures in said flanges, and fasteners extending through said apertures to hold said plates in forward and transverse assembled relation, said flange on the forward edge of said plates having elongated 7slots 40 above the plane of the flange along the rearward plate edge for receiving earth sustaining sheeting therethrough.

5. In a device ofthe character described, the combination with a plurality of complementan!! plates shaped to approximate an excavation in configuration, said plates having an inclined top surface, flanges depending from the peripheral edges of said surface, there being aligned apertures in said flanges, fasteners extending .throughiw said apertures to hold said plates ln `forward and transverse assembled relation, said flange on the forward edge of said plates having elongated slots above the plane of the flange along the rearward plate edge, laterally expanslble sheeting for u extension through said elongated slots, and manual means for expanding that portion of the sheeting projecting beyond said slots so as to clo-se any intervalor opening therebetween.

6. A pole plate shaped to present an arcuate U0 transversely inclined surface section, a rearward edge flange on said plate, a comparatively deeper forward edge flange, and side connecting flanges between said forward and rearward flanges for enabling attachment to laterally adjacent sec- 05 tions, there being fastener apertures in said flanges for enabling the joinder with corresponding plate units, said forward flange having elongated slots disposed above said fastener apertures for the reception of sheeting therethrough.

'7. A pole plate shaped to present an arcuate transversely inclined surface section, a rearward edge flange on said plate, a comparatively deeper forward edge flange, and side connecting flanges between said forward and rearward flanges for enabling attachment to laterally adjacent anges, there being fastener apertures in said flanges for enabling the joinder with corresponding plate units, said forward flange having elongated slots disposed above said fastener apertures for the reception of sheeting therethrough, and sheeting extending through said slot for contact with the rearward flange to effect the projected guidance thereof above the surface of the succeeding pole plate disposed for joinder with said rst named pole plate.

8. A pole plate shaped to present an arcuate transversely inclined surface section, arearward edge flangeon said plate, a comparatively deeper forward edge flange, and side connecting flanges between said forward and rearward flanges for enabling attachment to 'laterally adjacent flanges, there being fastener apertures in said flanges for enabling the joinder with corresponding plate units, said forward flange having elongated slots disposed above said fastener apertures for the reception of sheeting therethrough, corrugations impressed in said pole plate surfaces for reinforcement, and sheeting extending through said slot for contact with the rearward flange to effect the projected guidance thereof above the surface of the succeeding pole plate disposed for joinder with said first named pole plate.

9. Pole plate sheeting comprising an elongated rectangular sheet member, plates movably associated with said member, cooperating means on said member and plates to transversely guide any relative movement therebetween, corrugations impressed in said pole plate surfaces for reinforcement, and actuator means associated with said member and plates for effecting the approach and separation of said movable plates for enlarging the surface of said member.

,10. Pole plate sheeting comprising an elongated member, plates movably associated with said member, cooperating means on said member and plates to transversely guide the relative movement therebetween, corrugations impressed in said pole plate surfaces for reinforcement, and actuator wedge means for effecting the approach and separation of said movable plates.

ll. Pole plate sheeting comprising an elongated member, a longitudinal trough in said member, plates movably associated with said member, cooperating means on said member and plates to transversely guide the relative movement therebetween, corrugations impressed in said pole plate surfaces for reinforcement, and actuator wedge means reciprocally mounted in said -trough for effecting the approach and separation of said 5 on said bar for slidable engagement with said inclined flanges, for effecting the approach or l0 separation of said plates responsive to the reciprocation of said bar.

13. A method of tunnelling which consists in initiating an excavation along a transversely circumferential path, progressively lining said exzg cavation along a circular lane with a sectional circumferential member having sheet guiding slots, projecting sheeting through said slots in an upwardly inclined direction for earth support forward of said excavation, continuing the excava- B0 tion within the confines of said sheeting, placing another sectional circular member within the connes of said sheeting for transverse attachment to each other and longitudinally to said rst named lining, removing the sheeting and continuing progressively in like manner.

14. A method of tunnelling which consists in initiating an excavation, lining said excavation with a sectional circular member having sheet guiding slots, projecting sheeting through said 4p slots in an upwardly inclined direction for earth support forward. of said excavation, expanding the projecting portion of said sheeting to close the voids therebetween, continuing the excavation between the confines of said sheeting, placing 45 another sectional circular member within the connes of said sheeting for attachment to said first named lining, removing the sheeting and continuing progressively in like manner.

JOHN DOLDER. B0 

